M
melcool83
Guest
my fiancé and I are seeking a church in Hamilton, Ontario. We have attend a christian reformed church a few times including christmas and easter. It’s a nice church with nice sermons and some good music, but over all we are seeking more. Maybe what we are looking for isn’t out there, but the closer to what we want the better because we want to get married, have kids and go to church as a family who loves it. So anyway here is what I am looking for and hope someone knows of a good church(s) to check out. We live in the west end of downtown Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. I'm looking for a non-traditional, non-denominational (unless same values or beliefs), contemporary, very family orientated, casual, relaxed, Christian atmosphere where you can dress casual and maybe drink your morning coffee or tea. There is a pastor with sermons, but there is no preaching of hell this or devil that and this is a sin or that is a sin. Everyone just thinks of themselves as Christians by being as good as possible, praying, reading the bible and helping out in the community. They aren’t prefect little angels or saints, but believe they are still going to heaven because hell is only for people who do really horrible things. Not to say that premarital sex or anything like that is encouraged, but pregnant singles or couples who aren’t married aren’t looked down a pone. Rather the family is welcomed and supported as still being a Christian family (If you truly are in love and plan to be together certain things should be your personal choice). The pastor reads from the bible and talks about being a Christian because it’s a church after all, but they give lots of messages and joke about everyday things in today’s changing world (money, health, technology, friendship, family, community affairs, world affairs, etc) and may even turn one little saying/poem/quote (1 door closes another opens, think outside the box, google it, live love laugh, money doesn’t grow on trees, etc) into a interesting, heartwarming, funny concept/message. Interactive stuff 80-90% of the time even at the beginning or end of the service for a few minutes 2-4 times a month would be nice. The church does lots of church events (BBQs, potlucks, bowling trips, concerts, walks/hikes/camping, outings) and helps out in the community with charities and events. There are lots for children and youth to do and be involved in. As far as music goes there is a band and choir (at least choir if no band). Lots of choir style full gospel music and well known traditional songs (amazing grace, oh happy days, this little light of mine, etc), but there is a ton of up to date stuff. The music is very uplifting, lively, up beat and makes you want to dance (lyrics on screen at front would be nice). Sometimes the band and choir sing/play together and sometimes just one or the other. Often while people arrive there is music going (Prerecorded non christian songs that have still meaning or the band is singing or just playing their instruments). Basically when entering the building everyone is talking about what they did on Saturday, joking around, laughing, having a good time and not standing around like prefect little angels trying to be as polite as possible. Not to say people are smoking, drinking, swearing, being rude or anything like that of course because again it is a church, but it’s just so relaxed, easy going, fun, friendly, casual and so forth that you can’t help but talk to people and make friends and even join the many social groups throughout the week or even after church (scrapbooking/crafts, board games [youth or/and family or/and adult groups], movie group, music lovers, writing, mens groups, womens groups, youth group, couples groups, etc). Hope someone can help. I don't want or need anyone to say what I believe or I'm saying is right or wrong. I'm just looking for a certain church and if you can help me then I'd be ever so greatful. Thanks
